Code Enforcement

The City of Elk Grove is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and providing responsive services for our community. With this goal in mind, the Code Enforcement Division was developed to address concerns about unsafe, unhealthy or unsightly conditions in homes, neighborhoods and the entire community.

Code Enforcement Officers work in close association with the Elk Grove Police Department, Planning, Building and Public Works Departments and other local agencies to maintain high community standards and address violations of the Elk Grove Municipal Code. Through enforcement of these ordinances and with community awareness and involvement, Elk Grove will continue to be a place everyone feels proud to call home.

Code Enforcement Officers will assist you in any way possible. However some issues may require referral to a different departments or agencies for resolution. Elk Grove Code Enforcement cannot help citizens rectify the following problems:

Understanding Code Enforcement

With spring fast approaching, Elk Grove Code Enforcement is preparing itself for the uptick in activity that follows a number of sunny days. With 80% of code enforcement issues resolved through education about existing laws and standards, now is a great time to give some insight into the department and how it works.

Elk Grove Code Enforcement's mission is to maintain the highest quality of life possible for our citizens by ensuring healthy and safe neighborhoods. That happens through enforcement of the Municipal Code, and specifically addressing issues that have been identified as a public nuisance. While the department relies on education, there are fines, fees and legal action available to ensure compliance with this important set of laws.

For the most part, code enforcement officers respond to complaints received from the public. When a case is opened, courtesy letters are mailed out, detailing the alleged violation, outlining a solution, and giving them 15 days to bring the alleged violation into compliance or get in touch with the department for assistance. A follow up inspection is conducted and if the violation is verified a Notice and Order is issued providing 15 days to make any necessary corrections or to formally appeal the department’s application of the code section.

The vast majority of code enforcement complaints are resolved at this stage in the process. For those that are not, the City has established a fee schedule that code enforcement uses to recover its cost to investigate the case and abate the violation. The top reasons for the levying of fines and fees occurs when the property owner or business owner simply doesn't address the issue. The second most common reason is that the City doesn't have an updated mailing address on a business license or property record. So make sure your mailing address is up-to-date on your business license and property title record.

If you're aware of an unhealthy or unsafe condition, please report it by calling Elk Grove Code Enforcement at (916) 687-3023 or by using the City's Ask Elk Grove smartphone app or phone number (916) 691-CITY (2489).